Forbes: No Quarantine Required In Portugal For Summer 2020 Holidays

British visitors to Portugal are currently subject to a mandatory fourteen day self-Covid-19 quarantine on their return to the UK. However, as the UK is a key tourism market for Portugal, Portuguese and British officials are in ongoing talks to try to agree on an “air bridge” for British tourists to avoid a quarantine upon returning home. And at least there is no quarantine for visitors arriving in Portugal. The Portuguese National Tourism Board has confirmed that there are currently no quarantine requirements on entry to Portugal, except for the Madeira Islands, which will be removed as of 1 July 2020. From 1 July, Madeira and Porto Santo will also be fully open to international travellers. If you want to travel there before 1 July, you will have to either present a negative test done within 72 hours prior to departure or be tested upon arrival, without any costs (Covid-19 tests on arrival will be paid for by the Madeira Government). With almost year round guaranteed sunshine, Madeira is an excellent holiday choice at anytime and in fact it was recently voted Europe's “Leading Island Destination” in the World Travel Awards again (the sixth time in the last seven years).

Another sunny Portuguese destination, ideal for beach lovers is the Algarve (also a six time winner in the World Travel Awards for “Europe’s leading beach destination”). This southernmost region in Portugal offers a 200km coastline and more than 300 days of sun per year. The area is also appealing for foodies, with seven Michelin starred restaurants. An insider hotel tip is the sustainable yet luxurious Casa Modesta, overlooking the tranquil Ria Formosa lagoon. Once owned by a Portuguese fisherman, his grandson Carlos Fernandes has converted their traditional family home into a boutique eco-retreat. Blending stylish minimalistic luxury, traditional design and sustainability, Casa Modesta has won several awards including an A rating by Lidera for their sustainable construction practice.

If a city holiday is what you’re looking for, both Lisbon and Porto are excellent choices. Lisbon, regularly tops the world’s best cities lists. The Portuguese capital is packed with history, culture and best of all, it’s the birthplace of one of the most delicious sweet treats on the planet -  Pasteis de Belem (custard tart). Tour the seven hills of the city in one of the historic wooden trams, enjoy the gastronomy and explore the museums, including MAAT, the stunning museum of art and technology on the riverfront. Lisboa cards are great value, starting at €20 for 24 hours covering all metro, trams and buses are included and for access to 26 museums. An excellent hotel choice is the newly renovated Bairro Alto, a five star hotel in the historic center. The lovely 18th-century building includes 87 characterful guestrooms and one of the best roof terrace bars in the city, overlooking the picturesque River Tejo.

Porto, in the north of the country, is well known for Port wine and the riverfront warehouses offering tastings but be sure to experience the city’s cultural side too. Essential is a visit to the wonderful contemporary art museum the Serralves, designed by legendary Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza. A unique accommodation choice is the newly opened Torel 1884, a palace built in 1884, now a gorgeous boutique hotel with 23 spacious rooms and suites. Portuguese explorers are the design inspiration here with a different exotic theme in each room - from spices and silk to coffee and tea, as well as porcelain and tapestry.

In preparation for welcoming back tourists and helping them to feel safe on the Portuguese islands and mainland, Turismo de Portugal has created a “Clean and Safe” stamp of approval for tourist operations that are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of Covid-19. Any Portuguese business that deals with tourists (hotels, restaurants etc) and is awarded this hygiene certificate after following the specified stringent cleaning measures is permitted to advertise themselves as a “safe” establishment. This is good news for anyone keen on a summer holiday abroad this year, especially for travellers who are familiar with Portugal’s many charms.